The Pythagorean Theorem

Presented by: Tanya Van Dam

Kalles Junior High
Algebra 2
Spring 2000
Pythagoras
Lived in southern Italy
during the sixth
century B.C.
Considered the first
true mathematician
Used mathematics as a
means to understand
the natural world
First to teach that the
earth was a sphere
that revolves around
the sun
Right Triangles
Longest side is the
hypotenuse, side c
(opposite the 90
o

angle)
The other two sides
are the legs, sides a
and b
Pythagoras developed
a formula for finding
the length of the sides
of any right triangle
The Pythagorean Theorem
For any right
triangle, the sum of
the areas of the two
small squares is equal
to the area of the
larger.

a
2
+ b
2
= c
2

Proof

Applications
The Pythagorean theorem has far-reaching ramifications
in other fields (such as the arts), as well as practical
applications.
The theorem is invaluable when computing distances
between two points, such as in navigation and land
surveying.
Another important application is in the design of ramps.
Ramp designs for handicap-accessible sites and for
skateboard parks are very much in demand.

Baseball Problem
A baseball diamond is really a square.

You can use the Pythagorean theorem
to find distances around a baseball
diamond.
Baseball Problem
The distance between
consecutive bases is 90
feet. How far does a
catcher have to throw
the ball from home
plate to second base?
Baseball Problem
To use the Pythagorean
theorem to solve for
x, find the right angle.
Which side is the
hypotenuse?
Which sides are the
legs?
Now use: a
2
+ b
2
= c
2

Baseball Problem
Solution
The hypotenuse is the
distance from home to
second, or side x in the
picture.
The legs are from
home to first and from
first to second.
Solution:
x
2
=

90
2
+ 90
2
= 16,200
x = 127.28 ft

Ladder Problem
A ladder leans against
a second-story window
of a house.
If the ladder is 25
meters long,
and the base of the
ladder is 7 meters
from the house,
how high is the
window?

Ladder Problem
Solution
First draw a diagram
that shows the sides
of the right triangle.
Label the sides:
Ladder is 25 m
Distance from house
is 7 m
Use a
2
+ b
2
= c
2
to
solve for the missing
side. Distance from house: 7 meters
Ladder Problem
Solution

7
2
+ b
2
= 25
2
49 + b
2
= 625
b
2
= 576
b = 24 m

How did you do?


A = 7 m
Sources
Great info on the Pythagorean theorem,
Pythagoras, and other math-related topics:
The Baseball Problem
Pythagoras of Samos
Pythagoras Playground
Microsoft Encarta 2000